It’s been a topsy-turvy Monday for former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s buddy, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).
He was cleared of wrongdoing by the Senate Ethics Committee, which was investigating him over allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations that were referred by GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) — but then Axios dropped a report saying that he is now under investigation by the feds. It’s the latest controversy involving the first-term lawmaker:
The investigation could cast a shadow over Gallego's political future as the freshman senator eyes a potential 2028 run for president.
- The Justice Department's probe comes after the Senate Ethics Committee closed its inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations after finding no evidence that Gallego violated Senate rules or applicable law, according to a letter released by his office Monday.
According to the report, a whistleblower alleges he was having a grand time using other people’s money:
The DOJ investigation stems from a "whistleblower complaint" out of Southern California, according to a source familiar with the probe.
- Gallego used a political committee's PAC to fund excursions to Miami, Chicago, Disneyland and Disney World with his family, Politico first reported.
Gallego’s head might be spinning a bit because at first it looked like it was going to be vindication day:
FULL LETTER, first reported by @NBCNews: Senate Ethics Committee tells Sen. Ruben Gallego it has investigated and dismissed a misconduct complaint by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna pic.twitter.com/7nuH5ohd2a
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) June 29, 2026
Then, not so much:
NEWS: Ruben Gallego's use of campaign cash for family travel is greater than previously known.
— Kellen Browning (@Kellen_Browning) June 29, 2026
He's paid for family trips to Nantucket, Puerto Rico. In 2024, his wife took a campaign car for personal use.
Justice Dept is opening a probe.
W/@baylisswagnerhttps://t.co/U4Vpr3po3M
MORE: Ruben Gallego's Donor-Funded Lifestyle Is Drawing New Scrutiny
Ruben Gallego's Latest Attempt at Swalwell Scandal Damage Control Gets Off to a Rocky Start
Although Gallego turned his back on Swalwell following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and assault against the former disgraced California congressman, RedState’s Ben Smith earlier in June reported that the ghost of their friendship continues to haunt the embattled senator:
Politico reported Sunday that the Arizona Democrat used campaign and leadership PAC funds for family travel, child care expenses, and a Super Bowl fundraiser tied to his longtime friend, former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA).
A review of campaign finance records found that Gallego used donor-funded accounts to cover trips involving his family, reimburse child care costs, and help finance a Super Bowl LVII event in Arizona through a joint committee he operated with Swalwell.
Gallego is drawing attention as a possible presidential contender and traveled to South Carolina recently for Democratic Party events, adding to speculation that he is testing the waters for a national campaign.
Gallego continues to insist he’s squeaky clean, and said through a spokesman that the Department of Justice’s reported probe is just a right-wing hit job:
President Donald Trump is "targeting Sen. Gallego while the most weaponized Department of Justice in history is turning a blind eye to Trump's unprecedented corruption," the spokesperson told Axios.
"It's the least surprising news of the week that this comes immediately after the Senate Ethics Committee cleared Sen. Gallego of right-wing smears pushed by the administration," the spokesperson added.
We’ll find out if his claims of innocence hold up. Even if he is cleared by the DOJ, however, he’s still guilty of bad judgment for hanging out with someone like Swalwell, whose reputation was an open secret. Whether or not there turns out to be any fire, there certainly has been plenty of smoke in Gallego's young Senate career.
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